Synopsis

The Five HeartbeatsLoosely based on the life and times of several R&B artists (The Dells, The Temptations, Frankie Lymon, Sam Cooke and others) The Five Heartbeats traces the rise and fall of a popular African-American 1950s singing aggregation. The story is told from the point of view of one of the "Heartbeats," played by Robert Townsend (who also co-produced, directed and co-wrote the script with Keenan Ivory Waynans). The film is an amalgam of anecdotes drawn from real-life experiences: the long struggle upward, the first rush of success, the dishonest record-company executives, the hard-nosed but nurturing managers, the sex, the drugs, the isolation and the precipitous downward slide. The film begins and ends in the 1990s, as the middle-aged "Duck" (Townsend) ruminates on the past and makes the best of the present. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

One of Chicago's Finest!

February 10, 2017

Not to be bias...but, as CHICAGO NATIVE, this is more than just a movie for me - Robert Townsend and my childhood friend are married....Memories before the 'fame' ..the awesome DELLS, etc. Let the good times roll. - a personal keepsake.

classic movie

One of my favorite musical films

October 23, 2015

I was a Robert Townsend fan long before this. This movie blends music, drama and comedy very well along the journey of the group. Must see for any fan of music and the struggles to achieve fame as well as those who do not want to see you succeed.

Love This Movie! Get It!
Posted by: Ladybug3000 from: Boston, MA on The movie came within the time period they said it would, brand new. I played it over and over and it doesn't skip. Great movie, great price, great store!

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5

The Five Heartbeats
Posted by: montiemont from: on Very good movie. I enjoyed watching it! The outcome of this picture is great.

0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

5

One of the greatest films of all time
Posted by: Mslayt from: Avalon, PA on This is the best black movie or I should say one of them ever. It is impossible not to love this movie.

0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

5

classic movie
Posted by: droc2424 from: jackson heights, ny on one of my all time favorite movies. great music and story

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4

Excellent
Posted by: tonybuy from: on This was the Temptations movie before they made the temptations movie, Great Blu-ray transfer

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5

Great Movie!!
Posted by: Purplegem from: on This movie is an old time favorite. One of the best musicals I have watched.

0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

5

Great movie
Posted by: Chucky757 from: on One pf my favorite movies finally on blursy. Great movie to add to your collection

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5

Nights like this
Posted by: Dneezy1971 from: Columbus, Ohio on The hair-dos, the clothes and the music. Great movie about the industry .

0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

5

great movie
Posted by: FayeFaye1 from: Savannah,ga on If you don't have this in your collection you're missing out

0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

5

Great Movie
Posted by: Layz from: Dallas (Oak Cliff), Tx on Great emotional movie that will have you into tears with great musical performances and the trails and tribulations that a five-man singing team.